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Bendigo Maubisse
Friendship Committee

Partnerships

We rely heavily on partnerships formed locally in Bendigo and in Timor-Leste. The BMFC acknowledges the value of the following relationships:

In Timor-Leste

  • The Ainaro District and Maubisse Subdistrict Administration together with the nine local Sucos and associated sub-villages.
  • The Carmelite and Franciscan Sisters in Maubisse who provide valuable links to the Maubisse community. The sisters greatly assist the BMFC with communication and supporting projects and work of the BMFC.
  • Maubisse community committees oversee a range of projects including container unpacking, scholarships and arts programs.
  • The Rotarians Helping Timor/Rotary Australia World Community Service, Judite Martins and Mario De Jesus, provide advice and valuable assistance with containers, logistical arrangements in Timor-Leste, transport and general support for work teams.
  • Fundasaun Alola assists building capacity in education and health in Maubisse and other parts of Timor-Leste and provides exceptional oversight of the scholarship program in Maubisse. Fundasaun Alola has a strong relationship with the Timor-Leste Ministry of Education and is an accredited agency providing teacher training throughout Timor-Leste.

In Australia:

  • The Victorian Government Department of Education (North West Victoria Region) supports continued salvage of surplus furniture, building materials and equipment from decommissioned Bendigo schools.
  • Rotary clubs within the Bendigo district. Rotary members continue to support Committee programs and projects.
  • Fasso Transport Bendigo provide practical and financial support with the cost and logistics of transporting goods to Melbourne which are then transported to Dili.
  • The Donations in Kind (DIK) Rotary Warehouse in Footscray stores donated material and efficiently arranges shipping to Dili.
  • Retired accountant Warren Driscoll, who has provided financial auditing services for a number of years.
  • Donor organisations and individuals support via donations of time, money, goods and services.
  • The City of Greater Bendigo has for many years contributed significant financial support in the form of grants and more recently, in-kind administrative support. The BMFC thanks and acknowledges council for this generous assistance.